CritiCall Data Entry Typing Test
Read each call narrative and enter the caller's details into the correct fields — exactly the way the real CritiCall dispatcher exam works. Complete as many records as you can in 5 minutes.
How this test works
Read the call
Each record shows a written summary of an incoming dispatch call. Details are deliberately scattered throughout the text — just like the real exam.
Fill the fields
Enter the caller's details into all nine fields in order. Use Tab to move between fields. Press Enter on the last field to advance to the next record.
Beat the clock
You have 5 minutes. The timer pauses between records while you read the new narrative. Click Begin typing when ready — only active typing time counts.
Get your result
When time is up you'll see your KPH, accuracy, and records completed. Most agencies require 5,200 KPH to pass the CritiCall data entry module.
Field entry guide
The nine fields follow the same tab order used in the real CritiCall test. All fields are required on every record.
What is the CritiCall Data Entry Test?
CritiCall is a pre-employment assessment developed by Biddle Consulting Group and used by police departments, fire agencies, and 911 communications centers across the United States to screen dispatcher candidates. The data entry module is one of several sections in the full CritiCall exam. It tests how quickly and accurately a candidate can extract information from a written call summary and enter it into a simulated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
The test presents a narrative describing an incoming emergency call — caller name, address, phone number, vehicle details — and the candidate must type each piece of information into the correct field under a strict time limit. Agencies use the results to predict how well a candidate will perform on the job, where speed and accuracy in data entry directly affects emergency response outcomes.
What Does a 911 Dispatcher Do?
A 911 dispatcher, also called a public safety dispatcher or emergency communications officer, is the first point of contact in an emergency. When someone calls 911, the dispatcher answers, gathers critical information from the caller, enters that data into the CAD system in real time, and routes the appropriate response — police, fire, or EMS — to the scene. Dispatchers manage multiple calls simultaneously, monitor radio traffic from field units, and relay updated information between callers and responders throughout an incident.
The data entry component of the job is constant and unforgiving. A misspelled street name or a transposed digit in a phone number can delay a response by critical minutes. This is why CritiCall places such emphasis on typing speed and accuracy — the test is designed to simulate the cognitive load of the real job.
Dispatcher Responsibilities
Day-to-day responsibilities for a 911 dispatcher typically include receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, entering caller and incident data into the CAD system accurately and quickly, dispatching the correct units based on incident type and location, maintaining radio communication with officers and firefighters in the field, updating incident records as situations develop, and coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions when incidents cross agency boundaries.
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements vary by agency but most 911 dispatch positions share a common baseline. Candidates are typically required to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. A clean criminal background is essential — felony convictions will disqualify most applicants. Many agencies require candidates to pass a basic typing test before even reaching the CritiCall stage, with common minimums ranging from 35 to 45 WPM. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to multitask, remain calm under pressure, and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
How Much Do 911 Dispatchers Earn?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers in the United States is approximately $46,000 to $50,000. Entry-level positions in smaller municipalities may start around $35,000 to $38,000 per year, while experienced dispatchers in large metropolitan areas can earn $65,000 to $80,000 or more. Many positions include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid overtime.
How to Prepare for the CritiCall Data Entry Test
The most effective preparation is deliberate practice that mirrors the actual test conditions. Use this tool to build your speed entering structured data — names, addresses, plate numbers, and VINs — from written narratives under a timer. Pay close attention to accuracy. Beyond typing practice, familiarize yourself with common street name formats, state abbreviations, and the structure of VINs and driver's license numbers. On test day, read each narrative completely before entering any data, type steadily rather than rushing, and use Tab efficiently to move between fields without lifting your hands from the keyboard.
Frequently asked questions
Passing scores vary by agency but most require between 4,800 and 6,000 KPH on the data entry module. The commonly cited benchmark is 5,200 KPH. Some larger metro agencies set the bar higher. Check with your specific agency before your test date.
Reading time should not count against your KPH. When a new record loads the timer pauses automatically. Click Begin typing when you have read the narrative and are ready to start entering data. Only the time you spend actually typing counts toward your KPH score.
Yes. The nine fields and their tab order — Last Name, First Name, Telephone, Address, City, Zip, VIN, License Plate, Driver's License — match the real CritiCall data entry module as documented in the official CritiCall candidate preparation guide published by Biddle Consulting Group.
KPH stands for keystrokes per hour. It is calculated as total keystrokes divided by active typing seconds multiplied by 3600. Reading pauses are excluded. Every character typed counts as one keystroke. Backspace counts when the field has content. Tab and Enter do not count.